First Impressions

2017 Genesis G90

Episode 3601

Launching a new car is one thing…but how about a new car brand? Or even a new car company? That’s not easy, but Hyundai is doing it…but just don’t call it a Hyundai.

The 2017 Genesis G90 is a car made by Genesis Motors! And, our first impressions are extremely positive.

In reality a descendant of the Hyundai Equus, the Genesis G90 is a full-size luxury sedan about the size of a Mercedes-Benz S-class. It also targets the LS from Lexus, a brand they hope to emulate, the BMW 7 series, and Audi A8.

The G90 looks like a luxury liner, mixing cues from German rivals outside, and nearly matching the material quality inside. In and out, top to bottom, it’s plush and smooth.

Power comes from a 3.3 liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower, fed through a rear drive eight speed automatic. Its delivery is also smooth; never overbearing, but enough to keep up with the pack. A 420 horsepower V8 is available, as is all-wheel drive.

So those are the facts...but just how does it drive, especially considering the steep competition?

Patrick Lucas: “...that’s not competition you take lightly. And the g90 certainly does not surpass them - it’s not there yet...but it does a fairly solid job of keeping up with them...you would not be able to tell that this is a Hyundai product, the caliber is so much higher than anything they’ve ever done…